Cowboys' offense should be fine as long as this doesn't happen ...

This Story is About...

Share This Story On...

Slide 4:
Dallas quarterback DAK PRESCOTT threw two touchdown passes and added a rushing touchdown in the Cowboys' 28-17 win over Kansas City. Prescott has 39 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns in his career and joined Cam Newton as the only players in NFL history to have at least 35 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns in their first two seasons. (David Kent/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS)

Jon Machota, Cowboys beat writer for SportsDayDFW.com and The Dallas Morning News, answered questions about the team Friday. Here are some highlights.

Every time Morris totes the rock in spot action, he seems more than apt to run the ball well. Why is there such panic in the fan ranks about missing Zeke? I believe Morris is actually an outstanding option.

Jon Machota: Because Zeke is one of the top players in the league and there's things he can do that Morris just can't, particularly on passing downs. I understand your point and believe Morris will be effective, but I also understand fans having concerns. Elliott is averaging 4.7 yards per carry running behind the Cowboys offensive line in his career. Morris is averaging 4.3. It's not a huge difference if you're just talking about running the football. But Zeke is more of a game-changer in so many other ways.

If Julio Jones is a no go, which WR is at the top of your priority list in containing?

Jon Machota: It's definitely Mohamed Sanu. He was their second-leading receiver on last year's team that reached the Super Bowl and he's Matt Ryan's second-most targeted receiver this year behind Jones. He's similar in size (6-2, 210) to Dez Bryant and he's capable of making big plays. Sanu had touchdowns in each of Atlanta's playoff games last season.

Who are the most important players on the roster now in terms of picking up the slack for Zeke?

Jon Machota: Dez Bryant, Dak Prescott and whoever is lined up at running back. The Cowboys need the Dak-Dez connection to be hitting on all cylinders more than ever while Elliott is out. If teams adjust their defense because they aren't as concerned about Elliott's RB replacements, that means even more coverage shifted to Dez. When that happens, Morris, Smith and McFadden have to make them pay. As long as Dak doesn't try to do too much, the offense should be fine. He doesn't have to win the games by himself. Trying to do that could lead to more turnovers. Continue to take care of the ball and there will be plays to be made. Still a lot of weapons in the passing game. If the running game isn't clicking, quick throws underneath to Cole Beasley could loosen up the defense.